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The Essential Guide To The 1920 Quarter: History, Value, And Rarity

bugsbookbinge December 19, 2024

What is the significance of a 1920 quarter? The 1920 Standing Liberty quarter is a United States coin that was struck from 1916 to 1930. Designed by Hermon Atkins MacNeil, it was the first circulating U.S. coin to feature a female allegorical figure on its obverse (heads) and was the last U.S. coin to bear the motto "In God We Trust" until 1938.

The Standing Liberty quarter was designed to replace the Barber quarter, which had been in circulation since 1892. MacNeil's design was selected from a competition held by the Treasury Department, and it was approved by President Woodrow Wilson in 1916. The coin was first struck in January 1916, and it was released into circulation later that year.

The Standing Liberty quarter was a popular coin, and it remained in circulation for 14 years. However, it was eventually replaced by the Washington quarter in 1932. The Standing Liberty quarter is now considered to be one of the most beautiful U.S. coins ever struck, and it is a popular collectible today.

Here are some of the most important details about the 1920 Standing Liberty quarter:

It was designed by Hermon Atkins MacNeil.
It was the first circulating U.S. coin to feature a female allegorical figure on its obverse.
It was the last U.S. coin to bear the motto "In God We Trust" until 1938.
It was struck from 1916 to 1930.
It was replaced by the Washington quarter in 1932.

The 1920 Standing Liberty quarter is a significant coin in U.S. history. It is a beautiful and popular coin that is still collected today.

1920 quarter

The 1920 quarter is a significant coin in U.S. history. It is the first circulating U.S. coin to feature a female allegorical figure on its obverse, and it is the last U.S. coin to bear the motto "In God We Trust" until 1938. Here are 8 key aspects of the 1920 quarter:

Designer: Hermon Atkins MacNeil
Obverse: Standing Liberty
Reverse: Eagle
Motto: In God We Trust
Mintage: 107,210,000
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Weight: 6.25 grams
Diameter: 24.3 mm

These aspects make the 1920 quarter a unique and collectible coin. The Standing Liberty design is one of the most popular coin designs in U.S. history, and the coin's silver content makes it valuable to collectors. The 1920 quarter is also a reminder of a time when the United States was a rising global power. The coin's motto, "In God We Trust," reflects the religious beliefs of the American people at the time, and the coin's design symbolizes the country's strength and independence.

1. Designer

Hermon Atkins MacNeil was a prominent American sculptor who designed the 1920 Standing Liberty quarter. MacNeil was born in Chelsea, Massachusetts, in 1866. He studied art at the Massachusetts Normal Art School and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. In 1889, he moved to New York City, where he worked as a sculptor for the architectural firm of McKim, Mead & White.

MacNeil was a prolific artist, and his work can be found in many public buildings and museums throughout the United States. He is best known for his sculptures of historical figures, including the Standing Liberty statue on the dome of the United States Capitol and the Pilgrims Monument in Provincetown, Massachusetts.

The Standing Liberty quarter was one of MacNeil's most popular designs. The coin was first struck in 1916, and it remained in circulation for 14 years. The coin's design is simple and elegant, and it features a standing figure of Liberty on the obverse and an eagle in flight on the reverse.

The Standing Liberty quarter is a significant coin in U.S. history. It is the first circulating U.S. coin to feature a female allegorical figure on its obverse, and it is the last U.S. coin to bear the motto "In God We Trust" until 1938. The coin is also a reminder of the work of Hermon Atkins MacNeil, one of America's most talented sculptors.

2. Obverse

The obverse of the 1920 quarter features the Standing Liberty design by Hermon Atkins MacNeil. This design was the first to depict a female allegorical figure on the obverse of a circulating U.S. coin. Liberty is shown standing, facing left, with her right arm extended and her left arm resting on a shield. She is wearing a flowing gown and a Phrygian cap, which is a symbol of freedom. The motto "In God We Trust" is inscribed on the coin above Liberty's head.

Symbolism: The Standing Liberty design is a powerful symbol of the United States and its values. Liberty is a central figure in American history and mythology, and her image on the quarter represents the country's commitment to freedom and democracy.
Classical Influence: MacNeil's design for Standing Liberty was influenced by classical Greek and Roman art. The figure of Liberty is reminiscent of the goddess Nike, who was often depicted standing with her arm extended in victory. The flowing gown and Phrygian cap are also classical motifs.
Controversy: The Standing Liberty quarter was controversial when it was first released. Some people objected to the depiction of Liberty as a woman, and others felt that the design was too modern and did not reflect the traditional values of the United States. However, the coin eventually became one of the most popular and iconic designs in U.S. history.

The Standing Liberty design is a significant part of the history of the 1920 quarter. It is a beautiful and powerful symbol of the United States and its values. The coin is a reminder of the country's commitment to freedom and democracy, and it is a testament to the talent of Hermon Atkins MacNeil, one of America's most gifted sculptors.

3. Reverse

The reverse of the 1920 quarter features a majestic eagle in flight. The eagle is a powerful symbol of the United States, and its presence on the coin represents the country's strength and independence. The eagle is shown with its wings spread wide, and it is clutching an olive branch in its right talon and three arrows in its left talon. This imagery is taken from the Great Seal of the United States, which was adopted in 1782.

The eagle on the 1920 quarter is a reminder of the country's founding principles. The olive branch represents peace, and the arrows represent war. The eagle's position between the two symbols suggests that the United States is a nation that is both willing to defend itself and to pursue peace.

The eagle on the 1920 quarter is also a symbol of the country's growing power and influence in the world. In the early 20th century, the United States was emerging as a global superpower, and the eagle on the quarter represented the country's and ambition.

The eagle on the 1920 quarter is a significant part of the coin's design. It is a powerful symbol of the United States and its values. The coin is a reminder of the country's commitment to peace and freedom, and it is a testament to the strength and independence of the American people.

4. Motto

The motto "In God We Trust" has been featured on U.S. coins since the late 19th century. It was first placed on the 1864 two-cent piece and has since appeared on all U.S. coins, except for the penny, which does not have a motto.

Historical Significance: The motto "In God We Trust" was added to U.S. coins during a time of great religious revival in the United States. The country was facing a number of challenges, including the Civil War, and many people turned to religion for comfort and guidance.
Legal Basis: The motto "In God We Trust" was officially adopted as the national motto of the United States in 1956. It was added to the Pledge of Allegiance in 1954.
Cultural Impact: The motto "In God We Trust" has become a familiar part of American culture. It is seen on coins, currency, and other government documents. It is also used in schools, businesses, and other public places.
Controversy: The motto "In God We Trust" has been the subject of some controversy. Some people argue that it is a violation of the separation of church and state. Others argue that it is a reflection of the country's religious heritage.

The motto "In God We Trust" is a significant part of the history and culture of the United States. It is a reminder of the country's religious roots and its commitment to freedom of religion.

5. Mintage

The mintage of a coin refers to the number of pieces that were struck by the mint. The mintage of the 1920 quarter was 107,210,000. This means that 107,210,000 1920 quarters were produced by the United States Mint.

Availability: The mintage of a coin can have a significant impact on its availability and value. Coins with a low mintage are generally more scarce and valuable than coins with a high mintage. The 1920 quarter has a relatively high mintage, which means that it is not as rare or valuable as some other coins.
Historical Context: The mintage of a coin can also provide insights into the economic and historical context of the time period in which it was produced. The high mintage of the 1920 quarter suggests that there was a strong demand for quarters at the time. This could be due to a number of factors, such as the country's growing population or the increasing use of vending machines.
Collecting: The mintage of a coin can be an important factor for coin collectors. Collectors often seek out coins with low mintages, as these coins are generally more rare and valuable. However, the 1920 quarter is not as rare as some other coins, so it is not as popular with collectors.
Investment: The mintage of a coin can also be a factor for investors. Investors often seek out coins with low mintages, as these coins have the potential to appreciate in value over time. However, the 1920 quarter is not as rare as some other coins, so it is not as attractive to investors.

The mintage of the 1920 quarter is a significant factor that can provide insights into the coin's availability, historical context, collecting, and investment potential. By understanding the mintage of a coin, collectors and investors can make more informed decisions about which coins to buy and sell.

6. Composition

The 1920 quarter is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. This composition gives the coin a distinctive appearance and feel. The silver gives the coin a bright, white color, while the copper gives it a slight reddish tint. The composition also makes the coin more durable than coins made from other metals, such as nickel or aluminum.

Durability: The 90% silver composition of the 1920 quarter makes it more durable than coins made from other metals. This is because silver is a relatively soft metal, and it is less likely to scratch or dent than harder metals. The copper in the coin also helps to strengthen it and make it more resistant to wear and tear.
Conductivity: Silver is a good conductor of electricity, and this makes the 1920 quarter a good conductor as well. This property can be useful in certain applications, such as electrical circuits or jewelry making.
Value: Silver is a valuable metal, and this gives the 1920 quarter a certain amount of intrinsic value. The value of the silver in the coin can fluctuate over time, depending on the market price of silver. However, the coin will always be worth at least its melt value, which is the value of the silver it contains.
Appearance: The 90% silver composition of the 1920 quarter gives it a distinctive appearance. The coin has a bright, white color with a slight reddish tint. This appearance is different from the appearance of coins made from other metals, such as nickel or aluminum.

The composition of the 1920 quarter is an important factor that contributes to its value, durability, and appearance. The coin's 90% silver composition makes it more durable and valuable than coins made from other metals. It also gives the coin a distinctive appearance that is different from the appearance of other coins.

7. Weight

The weight of a coin is an important factor that can provide insights into its composition, value, and history. The weight of the 1920 quarter is 6.25 grams. This weight is significant because it is the standard weight for quarters that were minted from 1916 to 1930. The weight of the 1920 quarter is due to its composition, which is 90% silver and 10% copper.

The weight of the 1920 quarter is important because it helps to determine its value. The silver content of the coin gives it a certain amount of intrinsic value, and the weight of the coin can be used to calculate the amount of silver it contains. The weight of the coin can also be used to determine its authenticity. Counterfeit coins are often made from less valuable metals, and they may not have the same weight as genuine coins.

The weight of the 1920 quarter is also important for collectors. Collectors often use the weight of a coin to determine its condition. A coin that has been circulated for a long period of time may have lost some of its weight due to wear and tear. The weight of a coin can also be used to determine its grade. Coins that are in better condition will weigh more than coins that are in poor condition.

In conclusion, the weight of the 1920 quarter is an important factor that can provide insights into its composition, value, history, and condition. The weight of the coin can be used to determine its authenticity, value, and grade. This information is important for collectors and investors.

8. Diameter

The diameter of a coin is the distance across the widest part of the coin. The diameter of the 1920 quarter is 24.3 mm. This diameter is significant because it is the standard diameter for quarters that were minted from 1916 to 1930.

Minting Process: The diameter of a coin is an important factor in the minting process. The dies that are used to strike the coins must be precisely the correct size in order to produce coins that are the correct diameter. If the dies are too small, the coins will be too small. If the dies are too large, the coins will be too large.
Coin Identification: The diameter of a coin can be used to help identify the coin. Many different types of coins have been minted over the years, and they can be difficult to tell apart. The diameter of a coin can be a helpful way to narrow down the possibilities.
Coin Value: The diameter of a coin can also be a factor in its value. Some coins are more valuable than others, and the diameter of the coin can be a factor in determining its value. For example, a large silver dollar is more valuable than a small copper penny.
Coin Grading: The diameter of a coin can also be a factor in its grade. Coins that are in better condition will have a more uniform diameter than coins that are in poor condition. The diameter of a coin can be used to help determine the grade of the coin.

In conclusion, the diameter of the 1920 quarter is an important factor that can provide insights into the coin's minting process, identification, value, and grade. The diameter of the coin can be used to help collectors and investors make informed decisions about which coins to buy and sell.

FAQs on 1920 Quarter

This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about the 1920 quarter. Whether you're a seasoned numismatist or just starting to explore the world of coin collecting, these Q&As offer valuable insights and information.

Question 1: What is the significance of the 1920 quarter?

The 1920 quarter is a significant coin in U.S. history. It is the first circulating U.S. coin to feature a female allegorical figure on its obverse and the last U.S. coin to bear the motto "In God We Trust" until 1938.

Question 2: Who designed the 1920 quarter?

The 1920 quarter was designed by Hermon Atkins MacNeil, a prominent American sculptor known for his classical style and attention to detail.

Question 3: What is the composition of the 1920 quarter?

The 1920 quarter is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. This composition gives the coin its distinctive bright white color with a slight reddish tint.

Question 4: What is the weight and diameter of the 1920 quarter?

The 1920 quarter has a weight of 6.25 grams and a diameter of 24.3 mm. These specifications are consistent with the standard for quarters minted from 1916 to 1930.

Question 5: What is the mintage of the 1920 quarter?

The mintage of the 1920 quarter is 107,210,000. This indicates a relatively high production volume, making the coin more widely available compared to some rarer issues.

These FAQs provide essential information about the 1920 quarter, helping you understand its historical significance, design elements, and technical specifications. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a curious enthusiast, we hope this section has shed light on this iconic piece of American coinage.

Moving on, we will explore the different types of 1920 quarters and their unique characteristics.

Conclusion on 1920 Quarter

The 1920 quarter stands as a testament to the rich history and artistry of American coinage. Its unique design, featuring the Standing Liberty motif and the motto "In God We Trust," has captivated collectors and enthusiasts for generations.

Through its intricate details and enduring legacy, the 1920 quarter serves as a tangible reminder of the nation's values, aspirations, and unwavering pursuit of liberty. As we continue to explore the world of numismatics, may this iconic coin inspire us to appreciate the artistry and historical significance embedded within the currency that shapes our lives.